squitter

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈskwɪ.tə/, /ˈskwɪ.tɚ/

  • Audio (Southern England):

    (file)

• Rhymes: -ɪtə(ɹ)

Noun

squitter (plural squitters)

1. (archaic) Watery stool.
2. (communications engineering) A random broadcast of data occurring either intentionally or in response to noise.
   • 2011, Lionel K Anderson, Virtual Radar - Using the SBS-1er and Basestation Software, page 119:

     Mlat triangulates a moving aircraft's position from a number of fixed ground stations at known locations receiving and time stamping an aircraft-transponder squitter.

Usage notes

• The term is used most often in the context of aircraft radar transponders sending data to air traffic control facilities via a 1090 MHz transponder transmitter.

Verb

squitter (third-person singular simple present squitters, present participle squittering, simple past and past participle squittered)

1. To create watery stool; to squirt.

   Ann has norovirus, she's spent the entire day squittering on the toilet.

2. (communications engineering) To broadcast squitter.

Derived terms

• squitterwit
• squitterbook
• squitterbreeches

Anagrams

• quitters